Revered Frank Chikane, chairperson of the board of City Power, said the fiducial responsibilities of the board are not related to who the mayor appoints as MMC – that, he said, lies with the politics of the party.
Chikane addressed the media on 16 February speaking about the board’s position on the recently commissioned forensic investigation into alleged fraud and corruption at the entity.
Chikane said that he is eager to stop corruption and welcomes the mayor’s investigation.
“I instructed staff to not only comply with the investigation but to assist,” he said.
He added that previous investigations, some initiated by City Power were conducted and presented to the City.
“City Power is plagued by opportunistic crime. Where management systems are not strong, fraud is committed.If any new evidence [the previous investigations did not uncover] is found, the board will not hesitate to act in accordance with the law,” the chairperson said.
Chikane also said the board was grateful for former MMC for Environmental Infrastructure Services, Anthony Still’s support during his tenure and welcomed Nico de Jager as the new MMC.
He was questioned about his thoughts on the removal of Still, by Mashaba earlier this week, but repeatedly declined to comment on the matter. He also would not comment about alleged pressure from the mayor to axe the entity’s managing director, Sicelo Xulu.
“The board has got a fiducial responsibility. The shareholder [City of Johannesburg is the majority shareholder] appoints us. The issues that happened within the shareholder’s environment, particularity at a party level, we can’t get involved in.
“The only thing I can say is that we have carried our fiducial responsibilities in the manner that the law expects us to do.”
Still previously said that he did not have the right to suspend Xulu, a request allegedly made by the mayor whilst investigations were underway, and said this was why he was removed as MMC.
The current investigation is expected to be finalised in the next six weeks and will make its findings and recommendations available to the public.
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